When asking if sage is toxic, it is essential to identify the specific plant in question, as the common name "sage" refers to several different species. The most common culinary sage, known as Common Sage or Garden Sage, is Salvia officinalis. This is the herb frequently used in cooking. However, other plants, like White Sage (Salvia apiana) used in smudging, or ornamental sages like Scarlet Sage (Salvia splendens), are also part of the extensive Salvia genus. For the purpose of pet safety, the primary focus is typically on Salvia officinalis, the herb found in kitchens and gardens.
According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) is classified as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. This means it is not known to cause any serious or life-threatening illness. The plant contains essential oils and compounds like thujone and camphor, which can be irritating in large quantities but are not present in high enough concentrations in the fresh or dried leaves to cause significant poisoning in pets. A small, curious nibble from your garden plant is unlikely to cause more than a minor, self-limiting stomach upset.
While the plant itself is considered safe, significant risk arises from concentrated forms of sage. Sage essential oil is highly potent and can be extremely dangerous for both cats and dogs if ingested, applied to the skin, or even inhaled in strong amounts. Cats are particularly vulnerable due to their lack of certain liver enzymes needed to metabolize these compounds. Ingesting essential oil can lead to severe symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, central nervous system depression (lethargy, wobbliness), and even liver damage. Any product containing concentrated sage oil must be kept strictly out of reach of pets.
A pet may also encounter sage as a dried seasoning in cooked dishes. While the small amount of dried herb itself is not the primary concern, the food it is cooked with certainly is. Dishes containing sage are often high in fats, oils, butter, garlic, onions, and salt—all of which are harmful to pets. Onions and garlic are toxic to both cats and dogs and can cause damage to red blood cells. Therefore, it is a firm rule to avoid feeding any human food seasoned with sage or other herbs to your pet to prevent secondary poisoning from other ingredients.
If your pet consumes a large amount of the fresh sage plant, they might experience mild gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting or diarrhea. Monitor them closely. However, if they ingest any quantity of sage essential oil or a large quantity of food heavily seasoned with it (especially containing garlic/onion), you should seek immediate veterinary attention. Be prepared to inform your vet about what was ingested, the approximate amount, and the time of ingestion. For any uncertainty, contacting your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline is always the safest course of action.
